The authority is looking for six new apprentices who will have 12-month contracts to train at the borough – ending up with recognised skills and possibly a job offer.

Olivia Grant joined the Council’s apprenticeships scheme through Suffolk New College in June 2013. She did such a good job helping Town Hall hirers and co-ordinating the Ipswich Recreate project that she’s now got a job with the Council.

Head of Service David Field said: “Olivia has proved that the apprenticeship scheme works to everyone’s benefit.

“In less than a year we have been getting frequent commendations from colleagues and the public and we soon realised we were on to a winner.

“Olivia has benefitted because she has developed her skills in a real working environment while earning, and we have benefitted by the way she has put those skills into action.”

Olivia’s dedication helped her to win the Council’s Staff Awards Newcomer of the Year 2014.

She has now been appointed as a trainee events officer, where she will use her skills – and learn new ones – helping the Council put on a range of events from the Ipswich Arts Festival to specialist markets.

She said: “I really enjoyed my time as an apprentice. I like dealing with the public and explaining what we do and how we can help.

“I have gained a lot of confidence as well as learned new skills and I definitely benefitted from the college and work-based training.”

The next round of paid appointments will start in May on 12 months’ fixed-term contracts. The closing date for applications is April 22. For more information visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/job-list

At the time of applying you must be aged 16 to 24 years old and you must be unemployed (if you are 18 to 24 you must be registered as unemployed with Jobcentre Plus).